Why can’t more politicians do and say the right thing for this country even though it means they’ll lose political points in the short-term? There’s a reason the President has a dismal approval percent rating in the low 30s. There’s also a reason this Congress has an even worse rating in the upper-teens. These deep divisions are preventing the work of this country from being done. Why don’t we demand more of our politicians?
Whatever happened to civil dialogue in this country? We can’t we discuss honest differences without shouting, cursing, becoming visible angry or hostile? Why can’t I put a sticker on my car without the fear of my tires being slit, or my car be keyed depending which neighborhood I’m in? Why can’t we be more rational as we discuss politics? Why can’t people acknowledge the good qualities, traits and policies of the opposing candidate? Why must the opposition not just be belittled, but demonized completely and destroyed? Why won’t people even consider the possibility about what they have heard and learned about a candidate could be wrong and needs to be reconsidered? Why can't those of opposing philosophies find and build on the common ground they do share? Why are people so apt to believe conspiracies, no matter how vile, outrageous or outlandish?
I’ve seen conversations degrade quickly when one side or both levels charges like “you’re wrong”, “you’re a liar”, “you’re greedy”, “you lack intelligence”, “you’re stupid”, “you’re unpatriotic”, “you’re a traitor”, “you’re a racist”, “you’re a race-baiter”, “you’re sexist”, “you’re a warmonger”, “you’re a whoremonger”, etc. Once you use these words, there can be no further conversation, as these words are meant to shut conversations down. And this is unfortunate.
I find it increasingly frustrating to have meaningful conversations with people at this point in time. You cannot mention Bush, McCain, Palin to some without them flying off the handle. Similarly, you cannot mention Clinton, Obama or Biden to others without them becoming unhinged. It’s like there’s some kid of derangement syndrome going on. I find that most people have hardened their beliefs to the point where they are hyper-rigid --- there’s no flexibility. Consequently, any information news (good and bad) about Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin will already be used to support your foregone conclusion about the candidates. Most people have already framed a narrative so they’ll look for any new evidence, rational or not, to confirm that decision, almost if they need to justify the investment (mental, emotional, perhaps financial) they’ve placed on the candidates. This is cognitive dissonance and confirmation bias at it’s finest.
I’ve been following politics heavily since the 2000 election. I've read, studied, and thought a lot about political philosophies. Yet, I still find there so much I don’t know or understand. It’s not that I’m, the most of objective of people, because I’m not. I can acknowledge my bias. But I recognize my pre-conceived notions and I try to challenge them when presented new conflicting information. I wish more people would do this regardless whether you come to the same conclusion I do. This has nothing to do with the people’s intelligence. I think people just fall into a routine of lazy, sloppy thinking because it takes little effort. Challenging those ideas takes mental work and could lead to discomfort which is why I believe people take the easy way out.
Compounding these challenges is the inability for me to get the truth, without spin, partisan rhetoric, and fluffy, esoteric, abstract words. Take the economic causes and impact of these mortgage/banking institutions for example. It’s hard to find an unfiltered account of what are the causes and the solutions. I’m deeply skeptical of any one who oversimplifies complex problems down to “it’s George Bush’s fault!” or “it’s the Democratic Congress’ fault!”.
I’m growing to despise the coverage of this election by the mass media. It’s becoming shameful as reporters and papers are losing their credibility and ability to remain objective. This article by Stuart Taylor in the National Journal reflects my thinking exactly. Here’s an excerpt:
“…many in the media have been one-sided, sometimes adding to…distortions rather than acting as impartial reporters of fact and referees of the mud fights.
We still have many great journalists, but I no longer trust the major newspapers or television networks to provide consistently accurate and fair reporting and analysis of all the charges and countercharges. This in an era when the noise produced by highly partisan TV hosts and blogs creates a crying need for at least one newspaper that we can count on to play it straight.
Indeed, one reason that candidates get away with dishonest campaign ads and speeches may be that it is so hard for undecided voters like me to discern which charges are true, which are exaggerated, and which are false. Most people can't spend hours every day cross-checking diverse sources of information to verify the accuracy of slanted stories and broadcasts…”
I actually like each of the candidates and their VP choices. I’m serious. But no matter who wins the election, Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin, can’t we as Americans civilly disagree with them, yet still rally behind them as our elected officials? I know it sounds corny, but we are all Americans for goodness sake. This growing division will inhibit the power get things accomplished as a country, and this has me deeply concerned.
One thing I’m certain of -- I cannot wait for this election cycle to be over!
--Poppa Wheel
